![Hosting the SCLA Casptone Mentor Dinner outside allowed for more attendees on September 27, 2021 at Silver Creek. This event would’ve usually been held inside. According to Lauren Kohn, a SCLA 12 teacher, “If we have a higher number of people, as long as we can host the event outside, then that seems to be keeping every[one] safe”.](https://schsnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/sxMAIGbSYGodZkqmrvTi5YWcJ1ssWA08ApkeMLpp-900x675.jpeg)
The rise of E-bikes has transformed local transportation, especially for the younger generations. Underclassmen at Silver Creek High School ride their E-bikes to school, sports, and weekend activities because most underclassmen can’t drive cars yet.
E-bikes are growing tremendously in popularity. While most students say they are convenient and safe, others disagree and have noticed serious safety hazards as E-bikes popularity grows day-to-day.
According to the Center for Disease and Control Prevention reports bicyclists aged 10 to 24 experience the highest rate of emergency room visits for crashes. Since Ee-bikes can reach speeds of up to 28 miles per hour, the potential for severe accidents increases compared to accidents involving traditional bicycles.
The most common safety risks that school officials are worried about are the students not wearing helmets, protective gear, or following traffic laws.
“The biggest risk is lack of knowledge of the rules of the road,” David Bonday, the School Resource Officer at Silver Creek, said. “Their level of feeling invincible and riding the E-bBikes too fast, too dangerous, cutting in and out of traffic, not obeying traffic laws, not wearing safety equipment.”
E-bBikes, while maybe convenient, raise concerns about safety risks. Miles Wyjad, a freshman at Silver Creek, has felt unsafe while riding many times, but only on the back of someone else’s bike.
David Gerber, a freshman at Silver Creek, is not familiar with the rules about E-bBikes, nor does he think there should be stricter rules for E-bikes on school grounds.
“I like the freedom,” Gerber said. “I can go fast and ride with my friends.”
E-bikes are causing students to be reckless and speed over the posted speed limit. The students who ride E-bikes are seeking out an adrenaline rush.
“I’ve felt unsafe a few times,” Gerber said. “I was going fast and didn’t see someone, and I almost got hit.”
With the lack of clear and set rules for E-bikes, it is causing users to end up in unsafe situations that could lead to serious injury or consequences.
E-bikes also have a large effect on student drivers. Eva Smathers, a senior at Silver Creek, has strong opinions on underclassmen riding E-bikes.
“It’s dangerous for everyone on the road including me,” said Eva.
The use of E-bikes is raising concern for not only the users themselves, but also the officers regulating them. While most see E-bikes as convenient, others are concerned about their use.
“Most of these kids technically are not legally allowed to ride them,” Bonday said. “Most E-bikes require protective gear, a license, a registration, and insurance.”
Most students aren’t wearing the correct protective gear, the most they wear is a helmet. Most don’t have a license and they don’t have registration which is required to own or ride an E-bike.
As the popularity of E-bikes continues to grow it is important for users and regulators to find a balance between convenience and safety. How we choose to handle the rise of E-bikes and whether they remain a helpful tool or are becoming a growing problem that schools and communities need to address.
